I have a problem, and perhaps you will understand. I often buy rifles and pistols that are pre 1940, or so... as old as 1873's. Most of the time the bore is not mentioned (as on Gunbroker), and so, the first thing I want to know about is the condition of the bore. I am often frustrated with the answers that I get... for it seems that so many just don't want to be completely honest. I hear things like "near bright, but dark", "strong rifling with shallow cavities",
"80%" (what does that mean?), or the worst... "dark, but very shootable". Seems to me that virtually any rifle is "Very shootable". I am wondering whether "Moderately Frosted" or "Needs Cleaning" is the better rating. I have yet to see a firearm listed that has no mention of the bore in the listing, when it is mirror bright. Of course it is a case of "Buyer Beware", but it seems that the bore is the one part that can be fudged upon, since a picture can't be taken.
"80%" (what does that mean?), or the worst... "dark, but very shootable". Seems to me that virtually any rifle is "Very shootable". I am wondering whether "Moderately Frosted" or "Needs Cleaning" is the better rating. I have yet to see a firearm listed that has no mention of the bore in the listing, when it is mirror bright. Of course it is a case of "Buyer Beware", but it seems that the bore is the one part that can be fudged upon, since a picture can't be taken.